I confess I’m really not a fan of the modern novel. I find them to be so hit-or-miss that I typically avoid them. I browse bookstore aisles, waiting for something to catch my eye and then I indulge in the endless debate over “Will-I-Like-This-Or-Will-I-Not?” which drives me crazy and that’s not saying anything about those I may be shopping with. Odds are, I’ll leave the bookstore without anything (or a hope of anything) and will prefer an older read, most likely purchased via Amazon (where I can almost always find what I’m looking for).
However, the other evening I was browsing our local bookstore and Godmother: The Secret Cinderella Story
Self: Will I like it?
Self: Hmmm, I don’t know. It looks like it has great promise.
Self: Copyright 2009. It probably has language or sex scenes in it and you’ll be disappointed (again).
Self: Or it could be THE GREATEST FAIRY TALE EVER AND YOU’LL HAVE MISSED READING IT BECAUSE OF FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN.
Self: Yeah, but I usually guess right about what I’ll like and won’t like and I have a question mark.
Self: How many question marks?
Self: Well, only one really. I like the premise enough that if there is language, I probably wouldn’t be miffed.
Self: Read it. You know you want to.
(The conversation with myself was actually much longer than this but I drew the sales clerk over to ask if I needed any help and I figured I’d spare myself further speculation as to any mental stability issues.)
In the end, I decided to take the risk and I am here to tell you that as a result, I got very little sleep last night. Yes, I knew that children rise at the crack of dawn and that I would not just be burning the candle from one end only. I would pay. I would suffer for having stayed up late to read this book. But it was oh. so. worth. it.
The premise? Well, I’m going to quote from the back cover here because I would hate to be accused of offering a spoiler to this book and I would be ashamed for doing so. I’ll merely give you the first three sentences which started me on this incredible journey:
“Lil is an old woman who spends her days shelving rare books in a tiny Manhattan bookstore and lonely nights at home in her apartment. But Lil has an intriguing secret. Tucked and bound behind her back are white feathery wings – the only key to who she once was: the fairy godmother responsible for getting Cinderella to the ball to unite her with Prince Charming.”
But there was a problem with her original mission! Due to the misfortunes that befell Lil on the fateful night of Prince Charming’s magical ball, she was banished from the fairy world into the human world. Centuries later she finds herself alone and in Manhattan. And oh, how she wants to fly again!
I’m looking at my (imaginary, don’t worry) list here of adjectives I could use when describing this book. Captivating is not the right word for this book. Neither is enthralling. Both are too pale. Haunting? Thrilling? Enticing? Nothing seems to go far enough. This book was compelling from beginning to end and I sat riveted on the edge of my seat, willing myself to read it with my whole heart instead of allowing myself to skim for the sole purpose of finding out the fate of Lil and Cinderella both.
The book intertwines Lil’s memories of the past with her present in a glorious way that just keeps the reader, well, spell-bound! Yes, there is some foul language. Predictable and bothersome, yes, but very easy for me to ignore in this particular situation.
I loved Godmother
Flying away now….before I make myself sound any more ridiculous. (But you could fly with me…. Come on! You know you want to…)
Now, in the interest of full-disclaimers, I ultimately received a copy of this book from the publisher, Crown Publishing Group, who, by the way, has offered THREE copies to three 5 Minutes for Books readers! Want to win a copy?! (Let me answer that question for you: Yes. You do.) Simply leave a comment below. We’ll announce the winners on February 10.
You can thank me later and thank Crown Publishing Group right now!
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Carrie is happily eating crow over at Reading to Know and Reading My Library.
Your review has convinced me that I want a copy of this book. It sounds very good.
Would love to win this book!
Oh pick me! Pick me! Please????
I was just telling my daughter today that so few fairy tales are written for adults, and making her wait to read them because she can still enjoy the ones for kids. How fun to hear of a new one.
OOO! You make it sound SO good! I’d love to read it! Thanks for a great review!
(I love how I often get rewarded here by reading the full review with a giveaway!)
Sounds fascinating!!
That sounds so good! I would love to win it!
That sounds like an interesting read. I would love to have a chance to win it! Thank you so much!
I am totally interested in reading this book! Thanks for the giveaway!
Staciele(at)netins(dot)net
I love retold fairy tales with new and different twists. Please enter me.
Oh I’d love this!!!
Sounds interesting! I’m always up for a good read!!!
Wow! You’ve really got me intrigued. I’d love to have this!
Sounds like a great book! i would love to win a copy!
Yes, I definitely want to read this!
I’d love to red this.
mj.coward[at]gmail.com
That doesn’t sound like a book I would have picked up either…but after reading your review, I had to see if it was on Kindle yet (it was!!!) and I just downloaded a sample!
I can’t wait to start!
Can’t wait to read it!
Sounds like a good read. Thanks for the review and a chance to win a copy.
Oh, this book sounds lovely! I would love a chance to win a copy! Thank you!
This sounds great! I hope I win!
This sounds like a book I would absolutely love!
Great review, I’d love to read this book. Thanks.
Sounds like a great book. I’d love to read this one. Please enter me. Thanks!
Yes, I would love to read a copy. Thanks.
I’d love to win a copy of this book. Sounds great!
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
I am convinced! It sounds like a must read, I will be requesting it from the library if I am not chosen as your winner!
Loved your review. Count me in.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I love books like this. Count me in.
Oh, this sounds like fun!!! And a good review coming from you means a lot, sign me up!
Can’t wait to read it.
Well, you have certainly whetted my aoppetite for this charmer. As a child, I adored fairy tales and, as an adult, I love to read fractured or modernized takes on the old fables, but this is quite different and has truly seized my imagination. Great review!!!!
I am adding this one to my list right now!
I would love to win a copy of this! So glad you wrote this review, too, since I normally would have passed this book by. The only fairy-tale-esque modern book I’ve read recently was a horrible disappointment (yes, with the language and the inappropriate scenes…), so I’ve been more than a little shy of buying any more.
It sounds like a great book!!! Can’t wait to read it!
This book sounds amazing, hope I win! But even if I don’t I am adding it to the TBR list right now.
Wow! Like everyone else I am shocked to say that your excitement for this book has bubbled over and flowed through my computer! I would love to read such an intreguing book thanks for the excitement!!!
This sounds intriguing! I’d love a copy!
I would love it. Just getting back into reading and this sounds like a great place to start.
Oh, I’m so glad you have the same opinion of gratuitous material being in novels. I’m glad you can say that “the coast is clear!” Cinderella is my favorite fairy tale, so I’d love to read another version of the story. LOVED your review. Please enter me to win!
Laura Hartness
The Calico Critic
CalicoCritic at gmail dot com
I was already curious about this book but you’re the second person this week who said they loved it. I can’t wait to read it! I’ve always adored fairy tales so this sounds perfect! Thanks so much for your great review and giveaway. 🙂
I’m in. Thanks!
After that review, who could NOT want a copy?
Thanks, Carrie!
I would like to be entered!
Wonderful giveaway! I would love a chance to win. 🙂
I’d love to win a copy of this! I’ve heard such good things about it.
You made me really want to read this!
luv the cover and you have made it sound like a really great interesting read. Thanks for letting everyone know about this book and for the chance to win.
Thanks for the giveaway. This has been on my TBR list for so long!
s.mickelson at gmail dot com
It sounds like an interesting book. Count me in!
Sounds wonderful! Count me in!